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Nicardipine

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Do not drink grapefruit juice whilst you are being treated with nicardipine.
If you are taking nicardipine for angina and you need immediate relief of chest pain, this should be treated with a different type of medicine. Speak to your doctor about this.
Important: If you experience chest pain after taking nicardipine, or if your chest pain worsens or is more frequent, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Important: If you experience sudden dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes nicardipine can cause the blood pressure to drop too much which if not dealt with could damage your heart or brain.

About nicardipine

Type of medicine	Calcium-channel blocker
Used for	Hypertension (high blood pressure) Angina (chest pain)
Also called	Cardene Cardene SR
Available as	Capsules Modified Release Capsules

Nicardipine works by relaxing and opening the blood vessels allowing the blood to circulate more freely around the body. This lowers the blood pressure and allows the heart to work more efficiently. It also helps to prevent or relieve the pain of angina.

Before taking nicardipine

Before taking nicardipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you have ever suffered from a heart attack or have any other heart problems.
If you have ever had a stroke.
If you are intolerant to some sugars.

Nicardipine is not recommended in patients under 18 years.

How to take nicardipine

Take nicardipine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Capsules should be swallowed whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
Try to take nicardipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
If you miss a dose of nicardipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is within 3 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not stop taking nicardipine without speaking to your doctor first.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
Do not drink grapefruit juice whilst you are being treated with nicardipine.
When you first start taking nicardipine you may experience headaches, hot flushes, swollen ankles and dizziness. These will usually only last a few days, but if they continue speak to your doctor.
If you are taking nicardipine for angina and you need immediate relief of chest pain, this should be treated with a different type of medicine. Speak to your doctor about this.

Can nicardipine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Nausea	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol, it may increase any feelings of dizziness.
Swollen ankles, heat sensation, flushing (redness of the face), fast heart beat	Speak to you doctor or pharmacist if any of these continue.

Important: If you experience chest pain after taking nicardipine, or if your chest pain worsens or is more frequent, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: If you experience sudden dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes nicardipine can cause the blood pressure to drop too much which if not dealt with could damage your heart or brain.

Other side-effects may include drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, skin rashes, itching, pins and needles, heart complaints, passing water more frequently, difficulty passing water, stomach upset, sexual problems, depression and bruising. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store nicardipine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Manufacturer's PIL, Cardene SR® Capsules, Astellas Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium, Text revised February 2006.
Manufacturer's PIL, Cardene® Capsules, Astellas Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2005.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1427

DocRef:
dils2736

Last Updated:
25 Oct 2007

Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2009

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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